Exploration Checklist
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Start researching early
Students and families begin exploring a year in advance of the school year they are applying for. Use the CPS School Search tool to explore all your options. Need help searching? View our search tips.
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Review eligibility and requirements
CPS offers a wide variety of elementary school programs including neighborhood, choice, and selective enrollment programs. Families are not restricted to schools that are close to their home and can apply to programs outside of their neighborhood program. Some programs have specific requirements such as admissions testing and GPA minimums. Be sure you are familiar with eligibility requirements for programs you are interested in by reviewing the Admissions tab on the school's profile page using the GoCPS Search tool.
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Get ready to apply
Keep a list of all the schools and programs you’re interested in applying for. It’ll come in handy during the application process. You can also schedule tours or attend an open house to talk to school staff, families, and students.
Search for Schools & Programs
Elementary School Program Types (K-8)
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Neighborhood Programs
Every Chicago student is guaranteed a seat in their assigned neighborhood program. Students can attend their designated neighborhood school without having to submit GoCPS application as long as they provide proof of residency.
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Choice Programs
Choice programs provide an opportunity to attend a school or program outside your neighborhood school's open enrollment or magnet cluster program. Choice programs include Magnet, Magnet Cluster, Open Enrollment, and Dual Language Schools.
Requires GoCPS Application
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Selective Enrollment Programs
Selective Enrollment Elementary School (SEES) programs provide an accelerated academic opportunity at schools across the city. Selective Enrollment Schools include Academic Centers, Classical Schools, Regional Gifted Centers, Regional Gifted Centers for English Learners.
Requires GoCPS application
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Charter Schools
Each K-8 charter school manages their own enrollment process via lottery. Contact schools directly for more information.
Accelerated Placement/Grade Skipping
Early entrance and whole grade acceleration place students at a higher grade level than their peers to meet their academic needs or social-emotional readiness. You can find next steps if you want your child considered for early entrance to kindergarten or first grade, skipping a whole grade, or skipping a grade in math and/or reading.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
We encourage all students to apply for any GoCPS programs of interest. Our goal is to mitigate the effect of disabilities to the maximum extent possible. This enables a student with a disability to be assessed on equal footing as a non-disabled peer.
Tour a School
Touring schools you are interested in is a great opportunity to connect with school staff and fellow parents to see which schools or programs are a good fit for your family. If the school doesn’t have an open house scheduled, contact the school directly to make an appointment.
Upcoming Open Houses
View Full CalendarElementary School Important Dates
- SEPTEMBER 24th, 2024 - Application Period Opens
- DECEMBER 15th, 2024 - Application Period Closes
- SPRING 2025 - Results Released
- SPRING 2025 - Accept/Decline Deadline
- SPRING 2025 - Rolling Waitlist Process Opens
- 2 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER OFFER ISSUED - Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
Next Phase
Applications for all District-managed elementary schools are available on GoCPS.